Outrage as Investigative Journalist Fisayo Soyombo Detained by Nigerian Army for Three Days
Fisayo Soyombo, the founder of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), has reportedly been arrested and detained for three days by the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt.
The Army has yet to disclose the reason for his arrest, which many on social media have described as unlawful.
Several organizations and individuals have called for Soyombo’s immediate release. Amnesty International, in a statement, demanded his unconditional release, stating, “Arbitrary arrest is unlawful.”
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) also weighed in, urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to direct the Army chief to release the journalist. The group tweeted, “We urge President Tinubu to direct Nigeria’s army chief to immediately release journalist Fisayo Soyombo. We will take legal action if he is not IMMEDIATELY RELEASED. #FreeFisayoNow.”
Follow The Money, another advocacy organization, condemned the detention, stating, “Detaining a journalist for three days is a gross violation of his rights and an attack on press freedom. Journalism is not a crime! We call for Fisayo Soyombo’s immediate and unconditional release.”
About Fisayo Soyombo
Fisayo Soyombo is a renowned investigative journalist known for his undercover work exposing corruption in Nigeria. His groundbreaking investigations include infiltrating the criminal justice system by spending time in police custody and prison cells to uncover systemic issues, such as corruption within customs and law enforcement agencies. One of his notable works involved driving a ‘stolen’ vehicle through 86 checkpoints to expose bribery in the Nigeria Police Force.
In September, Soyombo raised concerns about an alleged plan by the Department of State Services (DSS) to apprehend him. FIJ speculated that the plan could be linked to his investigative work or recent criticisms of the government on social media platform X.
The journalist’s arrest has sparked widespread outrage, with many viewing it as a targeted attack on press freedom and a violation of human rights.
